FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16.

Otago Witness, Issue 2325, 22 September 1898, Page 26

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16.

In the Legislative Council on Friday the Banking Bill and the Juries Act Amendment Bill were finally passed. It is evidently not intended to pass the Hon. A. Lee Smith's Bankruptcy Bill, and progress was again reported on it. The Immigration Restriction Bill was read a second time.

a JJ2lil XX.J IUX X \J J. » The Hon. A. Leo Smith's Bankruptcy Act Amendment Bill was considered in Committee, f Clause 2, exempting goldminers and farmers from keeping books of accounts was rejected by 17 to 16, and progress was immediately reported. IMMIGRATION RESTRICTION. ' The second reading of the Immigration Restriction Bill was moved by the Hon. W. C. WALKER, who explained that it was an adaptation of the Natal Act, recommended by Mr Chamberlain during the conference, of Premiers at the Jubilee. The general tenor of the bill was supported by the Hon. Messrs BOVVEN, OLIVER, and others, the second reading being agreed to after a short debate, committal being made an order of the day for Tuesday. PROTECTION OF ANIMALS. The Animals Protection Bill was recommitted at clause 40. Two additional clauses were passed after a long discussion. At the next clause hostility was shown to imposing a license for shooting Native game, and the Minister finally stated that he would confer with the Government on the subject and announce the result at the next sitting day. Progress was then reported, and leave given to sit again.

In the House of Representatives yesterday it was decided to adjourn consideration of the amendments made by -the Council in the Banking Bill. The Government Accident Insurance Bill and the Fencing Bill were read a second time pro forma. The debate on the second reading of the Old Age Pensions Bill was resumed and concluded, the measure passing the second reading stage by a large majority.